Latest news with #PostCovid-19DevelopmentStrategy2030
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Uggah: Azam Sarawak key strategic partner to achieving Post Covid-19 Development Strategy
Uggah (centre) speaks with Abdullah (right) and William. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 18): Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak can play a vital role in supporting the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government's vision of achieving a high-income, sustainable, and inclusive state by 2030. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Azam is a key strategic partner in helping to realise the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which aims to propel Sarawak towards economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. 'Azam Sarawak's role has become increasingly significant in supporting the state government's development strategy through inclusive communication approaches that resonate with all levels of society,' he said at Azam 'Begawai Chara Kitai' here yesterday. He said Azam not only helps to disseminate development messages but also empowers Sarawakians to embrace opportunities, understand their responsibilities, and take ownership of Sarawak's development journey. Uggah noted that while Sarawak achieved high-income status as a region in 2023, well ahead of the 2030 target, efforts must now focus on ensuring that the people themselves enjoy high incomes and improved quality of life. 'This is where Azam can help. The agency can play a critical role in educating and encouraging Sarawakians to seize the opportunities created under PCDS 2030,' he said. Uggah also paid tribute to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his strategic leadership and courage in ensuring that Sarawak's development stays on track. 'Today, Sarawak is implementing infrastructure projects worth RM30 billion, fully funded by the state government. These include the construction of 16 major bridges across Sarawak, such as the 4.8km Batang Lupar Bridge, which is the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia, scheduled for completion by the end of this year,' he said. He also highlighted the state's unprecedented revenue growth from RM6.76 billion in 2017 to RM14.1 billion in 2024, as well as the record RM15.8 billion state budget for 2025. He attributed these achievements to Sarawak's political stability under GPS, the government's development-centric focus, and strong racial and religious harmony, which he described as the envy of other states in Malaysia. 'Let us all work together, unite our hearts and minds, and support Premier Abang Johari's efforts in leading Sarawak into a prosperous future,' he said. Among those present during the event were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol and Azam Sarawak chairman Datu William Patrick Nyigor. Azam Sarawak Douglas Uggas Embas lead pcds 2030
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Forest Dept visits facility in Bintulu to explore latest bio-tech for planted forest devt
Hamden (centre) and delegation pose at the site of an 18-month-old plant tissue culture-derived Eucalyptus clone. KUCHING (June 16): The Sarawak Forest Department (FDS) visited a plant tissue culture facility in Bintulu recently to explore the latest advancements in biotechnology for planted forest development. The visit, led by the department's director Datu Hamden Mohammad, highlighted undertaking company Samling Group's commitment to applied innovation through the use of plant tissue culture — a biotechnological technique for the mass propagation of selected Eucalyptus clones, it said in a statement yesterday. It said this method complements conventional propagation techniques, and offers an efficient alternative to produce high-quality planting materials for forest plantations. During a technical briefing, Samling Group presented encouraging results from its tissue culture-derived Eucalyptus hybrid plantations, which have recorded over 50 per cent higher Mean Annual Increment (MAI) compared to conventional seed-derived plantations. 'These findings demonstrate strong potential for enhancing plantation productivity, promoting sustainability and strengthening Sarawak's timber industry. 'Looking ahead, Samling targets the production of 1.7 to 2.4 million plantlets in 2025/2026, with plans to scale up laboratory capacity to produce eight million plantlets annually, and eventually up to 25 million plantlets per year,' said FDS. It said that this large-scale propagation aligns with the state's goal of achieving sustainable, high-performing and commercially viable forest plantations. 'The visit reaffirmed the importance of innovation and strategic public-private partnerships in accelerating the transformation of Sarawak's forestry sector, in line with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,' it said. biotechnology Hamden Mohammad lead planted forest Sarawak Forest Department
Borneo Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak champions clean energy vision at Energy Exports Conference 2025 in Scotland
(From left) Hazland, Muhammad Abdullah, Siti and Robert speaking during the EEC 2025 in Aberdeen, Scotland. – Photo from Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability KUCHING (June 9): Sarawak has reaffirmed its dedication to global partnerships and clean energy leadership at the Energy Exports Conference (EEC) 2025 in Aberdeen, Scotland, positioning itself as a key driver of a sustainable and resilient energy future for the region. According to a statement from Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, during the conference, the state presented its green and blue economy agenda under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which emphasises a balance between economic growth, social inclusion and environmental stewardship. Deputy State Secretary (Economic and Planning) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel highlighted Sarawak's transparent and investor-friendly environment, reiterating the state's zero-tolerance stance on corruption. He invited international partners to collaborate on scaling clean energy solutions and advancing inclusive development. Sarawak Energy Berhad's senior vice president of Corporate Services Siti Aisah Adenan shared the company's long-term sustainability roadmap, which includes plans for cross-border grid integration to enable renewable energy exports and strengthen regional energy reliability. SEDC Energy chief executive officer Robert Hardin outlined ongoing collaborations with Japanese and South Korean partners to develop hydrogen and ammonia export capabilities. He said the Sarawak H2 Hub in Bintulu, developed with Gentari Sdn Bhd, will supply green hydrogen for industrial use and support Sarawak's ambition to become a commercial hydrogen producer by 2027. Earlier in the conference, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni delivered a keynote during the Sarawak session on Opportunities in Borneo, highlighting the state's energy transition as being driven by strong policy frameworks, continued investment in innovation and close regional cooperation.
Borneo Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SUPP continues 'Sarawak First' vision, says Dr Sim
Dr Sim raising the flag as all the party members stand alongside as they unite for the flag-raising ceremony. – Photo by Chimon Upon. KUCHING (June 4): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) has remained steadfast in fighting for the rights of Sarawak's multi-racial community, said party president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Speaking at the party's 66th anniversary flag-raising ceremony, held at its headquarters here today, Dr Sim emphasised that the celebration signified more than just the party's age or its status as Sarawak's first political party. 'This is not just a celebration of 66 years of SUPP, nor merely a celebration of Sarawak's first political party or its multi-racial identity. 'Rather, It is a celebration to continue the same vision and mission of our founders, which is 'Sarawak First', since 1959,' he said. Dr Sim, who is Sarawak Deputy Premier, reiterated SUPP's ongoing commitment to fighting for Sarawak's constitutional rights, including autonomy in health and education, under the 'Sarawak First' agenda. He expressed gratitude to the party's founding fathers, as well as past and present members and leadership for their sacrifices throughout a journey filled with 'ups and downs, disappointments, and hardships.' 'Despite all these challenges, they stayed loyal to the party. That's why the party is still around today,' he added. (From front row, fourth left) Bong, Lee, Dr Sim, Yap and other distinguished SUPP members pose for a group photo during the cake-cutting ceremony. – Photo by Chimon Upon. Touching on Sarawak's development, Dr Sim highlighted the state's RM15.8 billion budget for this year, which is approximately 16 times larger than Penang's and over five times larger than Selangor's budgets. 'We are no longer number 13, we are no longer going to be last. We want to be as good as anywhere else in Malaysia,' he stressed, referencing Sarawak's position in the Malaysian IC code. 'That's why we need to stand up and help Sarawak in its nation-building,' he said. He also emphasised the need to prioritise Sarawakians first while contributing to a stable Malaysia. 'There is no question about our commitment to Malaysia as a stable government. However, we cannot make that commitment if divisive, polarising, and politicising forces persist. 'That depends on the rest of Malaysia — because here in Sarawak, we are not divisive,' he said. As Sarawak approaches 2030, Dr Sim acknowledged the state's strong progress under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 but raised concerns about sustainability. 'We need more Sarawakians to step forward and play their role in nation-building,' he urged. He noted that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is already strategising beyond 2030. Looking ahead, Dr Sim reaffirmed that Sarawak is evolving beyond being just a 'kampung'. 'We are building a regional hub for commerce, tourism, banking, and energy. This is the future of Sarawak as a regional hub in Southeast Asia,' he added. Among those present were SUPP deputy president Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, deputy secretary-general Dato Lo Khere Chiang, SUPP Kota Sentosa Branch chairman Wilfred Yap, and organising chairman Wilian Bong Lip Ken. 66th anniversary flag-raising ceremony Dr Sim Kui Hian lead SUPP
New Straits Times
31-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
S'wak pushing for Dayak community progress via free education, rural development
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of the Dayak community through initiatives such as free higher education and the continued development of rural infrastructure. This, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, was in line with the goals outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). He said education remains the most powerful tool to ensure inclusive progress among all communities in Sarawak. "The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to cost the state RM300 million in its first year of implementation next year, benefitting around 10,000 students at four state-owned universities. "I believe this initiative will open doors for many Sarawakian youths, especially those from low-income families and rural areas, to pursue degree-level studies in selected fields," he said in his message ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration tomorrow. Abang Johari said the programme covers full tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students from households earning RM1,500 and below. He also said Sarawak's revenue has surged to RM15 billion in 2024, compared to RM6 billion eight years ago, enabling the state to intensify efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges and coastal highways. He said the construction of bridges across the state reflects the state government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods. Meanwhile, the premier said the Sarawak government was considering a proposal to convert 5,000km of decommissioned logging roads, such as those in the Kapit division, into public roads. "If implemented, this plan would greatly improve rural connectivity with a more structured road system," he said.
